Georgia Braces for Impact as Winter Storm Fern Approaches
As Winter Storm Fern draws near, Georgia is taking extensive measures to prepare for its potential impact. On Saturday, officials from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) provided crucial updates to ensure the safety of residents across the state.
Josh Lamb, the director of GEMA and Homeland Security, emphasized the importance of residents staying indoors by 6 PM on Saturday and remaining sheltered until Monday morning. “The state operations center is now up and running,” Lamb stated, adding that warming shelters have been established in certain areas, and the Georgia National Guard is on standby for potential deployment.
Officials strongly advise against driving during the storm’s peak, as state crews may need to treat up to 18,000 miles of roadways with brine to combat icy conditions.
Unlike typical snowstorms, Winter Storm Fern is expected to primarily bring ice to Georgia. Lamb highlighted the risks associated with the anticipated cold temperatures and strong winds, warning that these conditions could pose significant dangers. Athens, in particular, might experience more than a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation by Sunday evening, marking the most severe ice storm in over a decade. Additionally, the low temperatures forecasted for Monday could result in a refreeze of road surfaces.
For further details, please visit gema.georgia.gov. Stay tuned to WUGA for the latest updates as the situation develops.
